Hey tradies - you've all been in touch with Joel, Ryan, Mary or Gary before, but how much do you really know about the people that make your trade orders happen? In between answering your phone calls and emails, providing you quotes and organising delivery, we sat down for a quick chat with some of the team to find out a little bit more about them.

 

Joel Bayot, Landscape Operations Manager, with Flower Power since 2003

"I started my career at Flower Power in 2003, wrangling trolleys - and 17 years later, I've worked across nearly every facet of the business. Some tradies might even remember me from my days as Landscape and Store Manager at our Taren Point, Moorebank and Mount Annan garden centres. I became the company's Landscape Operations Manager in 2020, and in this role I'm responsible for our bulk goods, pavers and home improvement products across the business, so there's a good chance we'll be in contact. I also work closely with the Garden Services and Garden Care teams.

Having worked with our landscaping products in a retail setting, I know our range like the back of my hand, and I know exactly what our tradies want from us. I'm always looking to bring new and interesting products in to keep Flower Power at the cutting edge of landscaping sales.

I've worked in this business for a long time and I know how important it is to create a lasting relationship with stores and suppliers. If you need a hand, I'm always happy to put you in touch with your local Landscape Manager, who will make you a priority."

 

Ryan Yates, Garden Services Manager, with Flower Power since 2019

"I knew from a young age that I wanted to do something hands-on, so I quit school for a career in landscaping aged just 16 and never looked back. Over the years I built a successful business of my own, providing all facets of landscape construction, garden maintenance and general handyman work for over 20 years before joining Flower Power in 2019. Aside from being qualified in landscape construction, I'm also an accredited E1 Pool Certifier. These days I'm based at Flower Power's Head Office, but am happy to jump on the tools and help our Garden Care Franchisees out when they need a hand. I started as the Garden Services Assistant Manager but have now taken on the Manager role in this department.

As a tradie myself, I get it - quick and efficient service when you're on the job is a non-negotiable. I'll help you get your hands on the plants and supplies you need quickly, with no fuss, so you can get on with the job."

 

 

Mary Schembri, Trade Sales Support, with Flower Power since 2018

"90% of the time, if you're placing a trade order, I'm the voice on the end of the line.

I started out in retail, developing my customer service skills - so no matter what you're after, you'll always get fast, friendly and efficient service when you're dealing with me. After a decade in retail, I moved into the horticulture industry, spending seven years as the production manager at a propagation nursery, before moving into a team leader and sales management role within a well-known wholesale nursery, dealing with large-scale orders. In 2018 I made the jump to Flower Power and spend most of my time surrounded by 50+ acres of picturesque growing nurseries at Arborglen, our facility in Glenorie.

There's no such thing as an order too large, and after more than 15 years in the horticulture industry, I can talk plants with you all day. If we don't have what you want in stock, I can source it for you quickly, or suggest an alternative that will do the job just as well."